Lionel Scaloni addresses Lionel Messi's Argentina future

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has stated that Lionel Messi has full control over his international future.

Messi led his country to their first World Cup trophy since 1986 last year, scoring seven goals and providing three assists at the 2022 tournament.

The 35-year-old was also presented with the Golden Ball award for his match-winning performances in Qatar.

After winning the only major trophy that had previously alluded him, there was a suggestion that Messi may retire from international football.

However, the Paris Saint-Germain forward has decided to continue playing for his national side, who are currently preparing for friendlies against Panama and Curacao.

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Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of tonight's meeting with Panama, Scaloni has insisted that only Messi will decide when to call time on his international career.

"Messi will continue to come until he says otherwise," Scaloni said. "I see him happy on the pitch and within the selection."

"Leo's looking good to me. He deserves all that love. He and all the players who are here deserve to go out and receive that love because they have not been able to live it."

Messi is Argentina's all-time leading scorer and all-time leading appearance maker after scoring 98 goals in 172 games for Argentina.

While Messi is within touching distance of reaching a century of international goals, he could also reach another memorable landmark against Panama.

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The former Barcelona man is just one strike away from bringing up his 800th goal in senior football for club and country.

Marcos Acuna could also bring up a personal milestone, with the Sevilla full-back one game away from making his 50th international appearance.

Scaloni has the majority of Argentina's World Cup winning squad available to him, but he has called up the uncapped quartet of Lautaro Blanco, Facundo Buonanotte, Valentin Carboni and Maximo Perrone.

Argentina's first game back since their penalty-shootout win over France in the World Cup final will take place at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires.